Matthew 1–3

Joseph Smith's Commentary on the Bible

Matthew

Matthew 3:1-6

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins" (Matthew 3:1-6).

Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 65)

Joseph Smith:

"Now it was written that the priests' lips should keep knowledge, and to them should the people seek for understanding [Mal. 2:7]. And above all, the law binds them and us to receive the word of the Lord at the hands of the Levites. Therefore, John being lawful heir to the Levitical Priesthood, the people were bound to receive his testimony."

Original:
"Now it was written that the priests lips should keep knowledge and to them should the people seek for understanding and above al the law binds them and us to receive the word of the Lord at the hands of the Levites therefore Jhon being Lawful heir to the Levitical Priesthood the people were bound to receive his testimony."

Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 66)

Joseph Smith:

"John was not a restorer but a forerunner"

Original;
"Jhon was not a restorer but a forerunner."

Date: 17 January 1843 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal, (Words of Joseph Smith, 155)

Joseph Smith:

"The kingdom of God was set upon the earth in all ages, from the days of Adam to the present time, whenever there was a man on earth who had authority to administer the ordinances of the gospel, or a priest of God. And unto such a man, God did reveal his will."

Original:

"the Kingdom of God was set upon the earth in all ages from the days of Adam to the present time whenever there was a man on earth who had authority to administer the ordinances of the gospel or a priest of God & unto such a man God did reveal his will concerning the Baptism of John."

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 159)

Joseph Smith:

"Where the oracles of God are revealed, there is the kingdom of God. Wherever the oracles of God are and subjects to obey those oracles, there is the kingdom of God. What constitutes the kingdom of God? An administrator who has the power of calling down the oracles of God, and subjects to receive those oracles, no matter if there are but three, four, or six. There is the kingdom of God."

Original:
"Where the oracles of God are revealed there is the kingdom of God. Wherever the oracles of God are & subjects to obey those oracles there is the kingdom of God. What constitutes the kingdom of God? an administrator who has the power of calling down the oracles of God, and subjects to receive those oracles no matter if there are but 3,4, or 6 there is the kingdom of God &c."

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 156-58)

Joseph Smith:

"Some say the kingdom of God was not set up on earth until the day of Pentecost and that John did not preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. But I say in the name of the Lord that the kingdom of God was set up on earth from the days of Adam to the present time whenever there has been a righteous man on earth unto whom God revealed his word and gave power and authority to administer in his name. And where there is a priest of God, a minister who has power and authority from God to administer in the ordinances of the gospel and officiate in the priesthood of God, there is the kingdom of God. . . .

"Where did the kingdom of God begin? Where there is no kingdom of God there is no salvation. What constitutes the kingdom of God? Where there is a prophet, a priest, or a righteous man unto whom God gives his oracles, there is the kingdom of God. And where the oracles of God are not, there the kingdom of God is not. In these remarks I have no allusion to the kingdoms of the earth. . . . We speak of the kingdom of God on the earth, not the kingdom of men. . . .

"John was a priest after his father and held the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood and was called of God to preach the gospel and the kingdom of God. The Jews as a nation having departed from the law of God and the gospel, the Lord prepared the way for transferring it to the Gentiles. 'But,' says one, 'the kingdom of God could not be set up in the days of John, for John said the kingdom was at hand.' But I would ask if it could be any nearer to them than to be in the hands of John. The people needed not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the kingdom of God, for John had it with him. He came forth from the wilderness crying out, 'Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,' as much as to bawl out: 'Here, I have got the kingdom of God and I am coming after you. I've got the kingdom of God, and you can get it. I am coming after you, and if you don't receive it, you will be damned.' The scriptures represent that all Jerusalem went out unto John's baptism. Here was a legal administrator, and those that were baptized were subjects for a King. Also, the laws and oracles of God were there; therefore the kingdom of God was there, for no man could have better authority to administer than John, and our Savior submitted to that authority himself by being baptized by John. Therefore, the kingdom of God was set up upon the earth, even in the days of John. . . .

"It is evident the kingdom of God was on the earth, and John prepared subject[s] for [the] kingdom by preaching the gospel to them and baptizing them. He prepared the way before the Savior, or came as a forerunner and prepared subject[s] for the preaching of Christ. . . . Whenever men can find out the will of God and find an administrator legally authorized from God, there is the kingdom of God. But where these are not, the kingdom of God is not. All the ordinances, systems, and administrations on the earth are of no use to the children of men unless they are ordained and authorized of God, for nothing will save a man but a legal administrator. For none others will be acknowledged, either by God or angels."

Original:
"some say the kingdom of God was not set up on earth untill the day of pentecost & that John did not preach the Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins But I say in the name of the Lord that the kingdom of God was set up on earth from the days of Adam to the present time. Whenever there has been a righteous man on earth unto wholm God revealed his word & gave power & authority to administer in his name. And whare their is a Priest of God, A minister who has power & Authority from God to administer in the ordinances of the Gospel & officiate in the Priesthood of God, theire is the kingdom of God & in Consequence of rejecting the gospel of Jesus Christ & the Prophets whom God hath sent, the judgments of God hath rested upon people Cities & nations in various ages of the world, which was the Case with the Cities of Sodom & gomoroah who were destroyed for rejecting the Prophets. Now I will give my testimony I care not for man I speak boldly & faithfully & with authority. How is it with the kingdom of God, whare did the Kingdom of God begin, whare their is no kingdom of God their is no salvation. What Constitutes the Kingdom of God Whare there is a Prophet a priest or a righteous man unto whom God gives his oracles there is the Kingdom of God, & whare the oracles of God are not there the Kingdom of God is not, In these remarks I have no allusion to the Kingdoms of the earth we will keep the Laws of the Land, we do not speak against them we never have & we can hardly make mention of the State of Missouri of our persecutions there &c but what the cry goes forth that we are guilty of larceny Burlary, arson treason & murder &C &C which is fals we speak of the Kingdom of God on the earth not the Kingdom of mem, The plea of many in this day is that we have no right to receive revelations, But if we do not get revelations we do not have the oracles of God & if they have not the oracles of God they are not the people of God But say you what will become of the world or the various professors of religion who do not believe in revelation & the oracles of God as Continued to the Church in all ages of the world when he has a people on earth I Tell you in the name of Jesus Christ they will be damned & when you get into the eternal world you will find it to be so they cannot escape the damnation of hell

"As touching the gospel & Baptism that John preached I would say that John Came preaching the gospel for the remission of Sins he had his authority from God & the oricles of God were with him & the Kingdom of [God] for a season seemed to roll be with John alone. The Lord promised Zecheriah that he should have a son, which was a descendant of Aaron & the Lord promised that the priesthood should continue with Aaron & his seed throughout their generations, Let no man take this honour upon himself except he be Called of God as was Aaron, & Aaron received his Call by Revelation. An angel of God Also appeared unto Zecheriah while in the Temple that he should have a son whose name should be John & he should be filled with the Holy Ghost Zecheriah was a Priest of God & officiating in the Temple & John was a priest after his father & held the Keys of the aronic priesthood & was Called of God to preache the Gospel & the Kingdom of God & the Jews as a nation having departed from the Law of God & the gospel the Lord prepared the way for transfering it to the gentiles But Says one the Kingdom of God Could not be set up in the days of John for John said the Kingdom was at hand But I would ask if it could be any nearer to them than to be in the hands of John, the people need not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the Kingdom of God for John had it with him, & he Came forth from the wilderness Crying out repent ye for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand as much as to baul out here I have got the Kingdom of God & I am Coming after you & if you dont receivee it you will be damned & the Scriptures represent that all Jerrusalem went out unto Johns Baptism Here was a legal administrator, & those that were baptized were subjects for a King & also the laws & oracles of God were there therefore the Kingdom of God was there for no man Could have better authority to Administer than John & our Savior submitted to that authority himself by being Baptized by John therefore the Kingdom of God was set up upon the earth Even in the days of John their is a difference between the Kingdom of God & the fruits & blessings that flow from that Kingdom becaus their was more miracles gifts graces visions healings, tongues &c in the days of Jesus Christ & the Apostles & on the day of pentecost than under Johns Administration, it does not prove by any means that John had not the Kingdom of God, any more than it would that a woman had not a milk pan because she had not a pan of milk, for while the pan might be compared to the Kingdom the milk might be compared to the blessings of the Kingdom John was a Priest after the order of Aaron & had the Keys of that Priesthood & Came forth preaching repentance & Baptism for the remission of sins but at the same time Crys out there cometh one after me more mighter than I the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unlose, & Christ came according to the word of John, & he was greater than John because he held the Keys of the Melchesedic Priesthood & the Kingdom of God & had before revealed the priesthood to Moses, yet Christ was baptizd by John to fulfill all righteousness & Jesus in his teaching says upon this rock I will build my Church & the gates of hell shall not prevail against it what rock, Revelaiton Again he says except ye are born of the water & the spirit ye Cannot inter into the Kingdom of God, And though the heavens & earth should pass away my words shall not pass away If a man is born of the water & the spirit he can get into the Kingdom of God it is evident the Kingdom of God was on the earth & John prepared subject[s] for Kingdom by preaching the gospel to them & Baptising them & he prepared the way before the Savior or came as a forerunner & prepared subject for the preaching of Christ, &c. Christ preached through Jerrusalem on the same ground whare John had preached & when the Apostles were raised up they worked in Jerrusalem & Jesus Commanded them to tarry thare untill they were endowed with power from on high had they not work to do in Jerrusalem. they did work & prepared a people for the pentecost The Kingdom of God was with them before the day of pentecost as well as afterwards & it was also with John & he preached the same gospel & Baptism that Jesus & the Apostles preached after him The endowment was to prepare the desiples for their mission into the world. Whenever men can find out the will of God & find an Administrator legally authorized from God there is the Kingdom of God but whare these are not, the Kingdom of God is not All the ordinances Systems, & Administrations on the earth is of no use to the Children of men unless they are ordained & authorized of God for nothing will save a man but a legal Administrator for none others will be acknowledge either by God or Angels."

Date: 23 July 1843 (Monday)

Location:

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235)

Joseph Smith:

"When the set time was come, John came forth. And when he took up his priesthood, he came bounding out of the wilderness, saying, 'Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' He, having received the holy anointing, was the only lawful administrator, and the Jews all knew it. . . . All Jerusalem and all Judea came out to be baptized of John: Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes."

Original:
"And when the set time was come John came forth and when he took up his priesthood, he came bounding out of the wilderness saying repent ye for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. he having received the holy anointing was the only lawful administrator and the jews all knew it for the law and the prophets was until John since then the kingdom of heaven is preached and all men press into it! Why! Why because John was the only lawful administrator and they the Jews well knew it. consequently the only alternative was for them to yeild obedience to mandates of this wild man of the woods, namely John or be damned. For all Jerusalem and all Judea came out to be baptised of John, sadusees, pharasees, Essenees."

Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 236)

Joseph Smith:

"All the power, authority, and anointing descended upon the head of John the Baptist. . . . This was virtually acknowledged by all Judea and Jerusalem coming out to be baptized of him."

Original:
"all the Power & Authority & Anointing descended upon the head of John the Baptist or "The Government shall be upon his shoulders" This was virtually acknowledged by all Judea & they of Jerusalem coming out to be baptised of him."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 327-28)

Joseph Smith:

"The spirit of Elias was a going-before, to prepare the way for the greater, which was the case with John the Baptist. He came bawling through the wilderness: 'Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight.' They were informed if they could receive it, it was the spirit of Elias."

Original:
"the spirit of Elias was a going before to prepare the way for the greater, which was the Case with John the Baptist he Came balling through the wilderness prepare ye the way of the Lord & make his paths strait & they were informed if they Could receive it. it was the spirit of Elias."

Date: 17 January 1843 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 155)

Joseph Smith:

"It was the baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins for the receiving of the Holy Ghost, and it was the gospel baptism."

Original:
"It was the Baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins for the receiving of the Holy Ghost & it was the gospel Baptism."

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 159)

Joseph Smith:

"John preached the gospel and must have preached the first principles. If so he must have preached the doctrine of baptism for the remission of sins, for that is the first principle of the gospel and was ordained before the foundation of the world."

Original:
"John preached the gospel & must have preached the 1st principles, if to he must have preached the doctrine of Baptism for the remission of sins for that is the 1st principal of the Gospel and was ordained before the foundation of the world."

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 156-58)

Joseph Smith:

"John came preaching the gospel for the remission of sins. He had his authority from God, and the oracles of God were with him. The kingdom of [God] for a season seemed to be with John alone. . . . He preached the same gospel and baptism that Jesus and the apostles preached after him."

Original:
"John Came preaching the gospel for the remission of Sins he had his authority from God & the oricles of God were with him & the Kingdom of [God] for a season seemed to roll be with John alone. The Lord promised Zecheriah that he should have a son, which was a descendant of Aaron & the Lord promised that the priesthood should continue with Aaron & his seed throughout their generations, Let no man take this honour upon himself except he be Called of God as was Aaron, & Aaron received his Call by Revelation. An angel of God Also appeared unto Zecheriah while in the Temple that he should have a son whose name should be John & he should be filled with the Holy Ghost Zecheriah was a Priest of God & officiating in the Temple & John was a priest after his father & held the Keys of the aronic priesthood & was Called of God to preache the Gospel & the Kingdom of God & the Jews as a nation having departed from the Law of God & the gospel the Lord prepared the way for transfering it to the gentiles But Says one the Kingdom of God Could not be set up in the days of John for John said the Kingdom was at hand But I would ask if it could be any nearer to them than to be in the hands of John, the people need not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the Kingdom of God for John had it with him, & he Came forth from the wilderness Crying out repent ye for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand as much as to baul out here I have got the Kingdom of God & I am Coming after you & if you dont receivee it you will be damned & the Scriptures represent that all Jerrusalem went out unto Johns Baptism Here was a legal administrator, & those that were baptized were subjects for a King & also the laws & oracles of God were there therefore the Kingdom of God was there for no man Could have better authority to Administer than John & our Savior submitted to that authority himself by being Baptized by John therefore the Kingdom of God was set up upon the earth Even in the days of John their is a difference between the Kingdom of God & the fruits & blessings that flow from that Kingdom becaus their was more miracles gifts graces visions healings, tongues &c in the days of Jesus Christ & the Apostles & on the day of pentecost than under Johns Administration, it does not prove by any means that John had not the Kingdom of God, any more than it would that a woman had not a milk pan because she had not a pan of milk, for while the pan might be compared to the Kingdom the milk might be compared to the blessings of the Kingdom John was a Priest after the order of Aaron & had the Keys of that Priesthood & Came forth preaching repentance & Baptism for the remission of sins but at the same time Crys out there cometh one after me more mighter than I the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unlose, & Christ came according to the word of John, & he was greater than John because he held the Keys of the Melchesedic Priesthood & the Kingdom of God & had before revealed the priesthood to Moses, yet Christ was baptizd by John to fulfill all righteousness & Jesus in his teaching says upon this rock I will build my Church & the gates of hell shall not prevail against it what rock, Revelaiton Again he says except ye are born of the water & the spirit ye Cannot inter into the Kingdom of God, And though the heavens & earth should pass away my words shall not pass away If a man is born of the water & the spirit he can get into the Kingdom of God it is evident the Kingdom of God was on the earth & John prepared subject[s] for Kingdom by preaching the gospel to them & Baptising them & he prepared the way before the Savior or came as a forerunner & prepared subject for the preaching of Christ, &c. Christ preached through Jerrusalem on the same ground whare John had preached & when the Apostles were raised up they worked in Jerrusalem & Jesus Commanded them to tarry thare untill they were endowed with power from on high had they not work to do in Jerrusalem. they did work & prepared a people for the pentecost The Kingdom of God was with them before the day of pentecost as well as afterwards & it was also with John & he preached the same gospel & Baptism that Jesus & the Apostles preached after him."

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 157-58)

Joseph Smith:

"John was a priest after the order of Aaron and had the keys of that priesthood. [He] came forth preaching repentance and baptism for the remission of sins but at the same time cried out, 'There cometh one after me mightier than I, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose.' Christ came according to the word of John. He was greater than John, because he held the keys of the Melchizedek Priesthood and the kingdom of God and had before revealed the priesthood to Moses. Yet Christ was baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness."

Original:
"John was a Priest after the order of Aaron & had the Keys of that Priesthood & Came forth preaching repentance & Baptism for the remission of sins but at the same time Crys out there cometh one after me more mighter than I the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unlose, & Christ came according to the word of John, & he was greater than John because he held the Keys of the Melchesedic Priesthood & the Kingdom of God & had before revealed the priesthood to Moses, yet Christ was baptizd by John to fulfill all righteousness."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 328)

Joseph Smith:

"He told the people that his mission was to preach repentance and baptize with water, but it was he that should come after him that should baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost. If he had been an impostor, he might have gone to work beyond his bounds and undertaken to have performed ordinances that did not belong to that office and calling under the spirit of Elias. . . . John's mission was limited to preaching and baptizing, but what he did was legal. And when Jesus Christ came to any of John's disciples, he baptized them with fire and the Holy Ghost. We find the apostles endowed with greater power than John; their office was more under the spirit and power of Elijah than Elias. . . .

"What I want to impress upon your minds is the difference of power in the different parts of the priesthood, so that when any man comes among you saying, "I have the spirit of Elias," you can know whether he be true or false. For any man that comes having the spirit and power of Elias will not transcend his bounds. John did not transcend his bound but faithfully performed that part belonging to his office. And every portion of the great building should be prepared rightly and assigned to its proper place. It is necessary to know who holds the keys of power and who does not, or we may be likely to be deceived. That person who holds the keys of Elias has a preparatory work."

Original:
"He told the people that his mission was to preach repentance & baptise with water, but it was he that should Come after him that should baptize with fire & the Holy Ghost if he had been an imposture he might have gone to work beyound, his bounds & undertook to have performed ordinances that did not belong to that office & calling under the spirit of Elias. The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God which is the priesthood of Elias or the Priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work holds the keys of the power of Elias it was called the doctrine of Elias even from the early ages of the world. John,s mission was limited to preaching & Baptizing but what he done was legal & when Jesus Christ Came to any of John's disciples He baptized them with fire & the Holy Ghost, we find the Apostles endowed with greater power than John their office was more under the spirit & power of Elijah than Elias. In the Case of Philip when he went down to Samaria was under the spirit of Elias he baptised both men & women, when Peter & John herd of it they went down & lade hands on them & they received the Holy Ghost this shows the distinction between the two powers. when paul came to Certain Deciples He asked if they had received the Holy Ghost they said no, who baptized you then we were Baptizd unto Johns Baptism No John did not baptized you for he did his work right, & so Paul went & baptized them for He knew what the true doctrin was & he knew that John Had not Baptised them, & these principles and [it] is strange to me that men who have red the scriptures of the New Testament are so far from it. What I want to impress upon your minds is, the difference of power in the different parts of the Priesthood, so that when any man comes among you saying I have the spirit of Elias you can know whether he be true or false, for any man that comes having the spirit & power of Elias he will not transcend his bounds, John did not transend his bound but faithfully performed that part belonging to his office, and evry portion of the great building should be prepared right & assigned to its proper place, & it is necessary to know who holds the keys of power & who dont, or we may be likely to be deceived, That person who holds the keys of Elias hath a preparitory work."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 354)

Joseph Smith:

"John says, "I baptize you with water, but when Jesus comes, who has the power, he shall administer the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.' . . . John said his baptism was nothing without the baptism of Jesus Christ."

Original:
"John says, I baptise you with water but when Jesus Christ comes He shall administer the baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost. John said his baptism was good for nothing without the Baptism of Jesus Christ."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 342-43)

Joseph Smith:

"'I baptize you with water, but when Jesus comes, having the keys, he shall baptize you with the baptisms of fire and Holy Ghost.'"

Original:
"I baptize you with water. but when Jesus comes having the keys--he shall baptize you with the baptism of fire & Holy Ghost."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 347-48)

Joseph Smith:

"John says, 'I baptize you with water, but when Jesus Christ comes he shall administer the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.' John said his baptism was good for nothing without the baptism of Jesus Christ. Many talk of any baptism not being essential to salvation. But this would lay the foundation of their damnation."

Original:
"John said his baptism was good for nothing without the Baptism of Jesus Christ, Many talk of any baptism not being essential to salvation, but this would lay the foundation of their damnation."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 336)

Joseph Smith:

"The Spirit of Elias is a forerunner, same as John the Baptist."

Original:
"The Spirit of Elias is a forerunner same as John the Baptist."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 333)

Joseph Smith:

"Jesus said of John: 'This is Elias, which was to come, if you will receive me. Otherwise he cannot do the work of an Elias. For Elias is preparatory for something greater, to prepare my way before me. I have power to restore all things and establish my kingdom amongst you, but if you will not receive me and my doctrine, he is not that Elias which was to come. For he cannot accomplish that for which he was sent.'"

Original:
"Jesus said of John this is Elias which was for to come if you will receive me otherwise he cannot do the work of an Elias, for Elias is preparatory for something greater to prepare my way before me I have power to restore all things and establish my kingdom amongst you, but if you will not receive me and my doctrine, he is not that Elias which was for to come for he cannot accomplish that for which he was sent."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 328)

Joseph Smith:

"The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God. [This] is the priesthood of Elias, or the priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work, [he] holds the keys of the power of Elias. It was called the doctrine of Elias even from the early ages of the world."

Original:
"The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God which is the priesthood of Elias or the Priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work holds the keys of the power of Elias it was called the doctrine of Elias even from the early ages of the world."

Date: 20 March 1842 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 107-9)

Joseph Smith:

"Baptism is a sign ordained of God for the believer in Christ to take upon himself in order to enter into the kingdom of God. For 'except you are born of the water and the Spirit you cannot enter into the kingdom of God,' saith the Savior, as it is a sign of command which God hath set for man to enter into this kingdom. Those who seek to enter in any other way will seek in vain, for God will not receive them, neither will the angels acknowledge their works as accepted. For they have not taken upon themselves those ordinances and signs which God ordained for man to receive in order to receive a celestial glory. And God has decreed that all who will not obey his voice shall not escape the damnation of hell. What is the damnation of hell? To go with that society who have not obeyed his commands.

"Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven, that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come. Any other course is in vain. God hath decreed and ordained that man should repent of all his sins and be baptized for the remission of his sins. Then he can come to God in the name of Jesus Christ, in faith. Then we have the promise of the Holy Ghost. . . . It mattereth not whether we live long or short after we come to a knowledge of these principles and obey them. I know that all men will be damned if they do not come in the way which God has appointed."

Original:
"Baptism is a sign ordained of God for the believer in Christ to take upon himself in order to enter into the Kingdom of God, 'for except you are born of the water & the spirit you cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Saith the Savior as It is a sign of command which God hath set for man to enter into ~~this kingdom of God~~ those who seek to enter in any other way will seek in vain for God will not receive them neither will the angels acknowledge their works as accepted, for they have not taken upon themselves those ordinances & signs which God ordained for man to receive in order to receive a celestial glory, & God has decreed that all ~~that~~ who will not obey his voice shall not escape the damnation of hell, what it is the damnation of hell, to go with that society who have not obeyed his commands Baptism is a sign of God, to angels to heaven that we do the will of God & there is no other way beneath the heavens whareby God hath ordained for man to come ~~to God~~ & any other course is in vain. God hath decreed & ordained that man should repent of all his sins & Be Baptized for the remission of his sins then he can come to God in the name of Jesus Christ in faith then we have the promise of the Holy Ghost

"What is the sign of the healing of the sick? the laying on of hands, is the sign or way marked out by James & the custom of the ancient saints as ordered by the Lord & we should not obtain the blessing by pursuing any other course except the way which God has markd out. What if we should attempt to get the Holy Ghost through any other means except the sign or way which God hath appointed should we obtain it certainly not all other means would fail The Lord says do so & so & I will bless so & so their is certain key words & signs belonging to the priesthood which must be observed in order to obtain the blessings The sign of Peter was to repent & be baptized for the remission of sins, with the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost & in no other way is the first of the Holy Ghost obtained. Their is a difference between the Holy Ghost & the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was Baptized which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the gospel but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost untill after he was Baptized, & had he not taken this sign ordinances upon him the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God would have left him untill he obeyed those ordinances & receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands according to the order of God he could not have healed the sick or command an evil spirit to come out of a man & it obey him, for the spirit might say to him as he did to the sons of Scava Peter I know & Christ I know but who are ye

"It matereth not whether we live long or short after we come to a knowledge of these principles & obey them, I know that all men will be damned if they do not come in the way which God has appointed."

Date: 1 September 1842 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 September 1842): 905

Joseph Smith:

"This strong and positive answer of Jesus, as to water baptism, settles the question. If God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, it is no wonder he is so positive in the great declaration: 'He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, and he that believes not shall be damned' [Mark 16:16]. There was no other name given under heaven, nor any other ordinance admitted, whereby men could be saved. No wonder the apostle said, being 'buried with him in baptism,' ye shall rise from the dead [Rom. 6:4]."

Original:
"This strong and positive answer of Jesus, as to water baptism, settles the question: If God is the same yesterday, to day and forever; it is no wonder he is so positive in the great declaration: He that believes and is baptised [baptized] shall be saved, and he that believes not shall damned! There was no other name given under heaven, nor no other ordinance admitted, whereby men could be saved: No wonder the Apostle said, being "buried with him in baptism," ye shall rise from the dead!"

Date: 9 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 230)

Joseph Smith:

"[One] might as well baptize a bag of sand as a man, if not done in view of the getting of the Holy Ghost. Baptism by water is but one-half a baptism and is good for nothing without the other, the Holy Ghost."

Original:
"might as well be baptize a bag of sand as a man if not done in view of the getting of the Holy Ghost.--baptism by water is but 1/2 a baptism--& is good for nothing with the other, the Holy Ghost."

Date: 15 October 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 256)

Joseph Smith:

"[It is] one thing to see the kingdom and another to be in it. [One] must have a change of heart to see the kingdom of God and subscribe [to] the articles of adoption to enter therein."

Original:
"one thing to see the kingdom. & another to be in it. Must have a change of heart to see the kingdom of God. & subscribe the articles of adoption to enter therein."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 354)

Joseph Smith:

"The baptism of water with the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it are necessary. [We] must be born of water and spirit in order to get into the kingdom of God."

Original:
"The Bap of Water witht. the B of Fire & the H B. attg. it are necy he must be born of W. & Sp in order to get into the K of God."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 342)

Joseph Smith:

"Baptism of water, fire, and Holy Ghost are inseparably connected."

Original:
"Baptism of water fire & Holy Ghost. are inseperably connected."

Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235)

Joseph Smith:

"He, having received the holy anointing, was the only lawful administrator, and the Jews all knew it. For 'the law and the prophets were until John; since then the kingdom of heaven is preached, and all men press into it.' Why? Because John was the only lawful administrator, and they, the Jews, well knew it. Consequently, the only alternative was for them to yield obedience to [the] mandates of this wild man of the woods, namely John, or be damned."

Original:
"he having received the holy anointing was the only lawful administrator and the jews all knew it for the law and the prophets was until John since then the kingdom of heaven is preached and all men press into it! Why! Why because John was the only lawful administrator and they the Jews well knew it. consequently the only alternative was for them to yeild obedience to mandates of this wild man of the woods, namely John or be damned."

Matthew 3:8-10

"Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire" (Matthew 3:8-10).

Date: 29 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 162)

Joseph Smith:

"From the moment John's voice was first heard, he was the pruner on the earth."

Original:
"from the moment John's voice was first heard he was the Prunner on the earth entitled to salvation. on the earth."

Matthew 3:11

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:" (Matthew 3:11).

Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 65)

Joseph Smith:

Original:
"Now it was written that the priests lips should keep knowledge and to them should the people seek for understanding and above all the law binds them and us to receive the word of the Lords at the hands of the Levites therefore Jhon being Lawful heir to the Levitical Priesthood the people were bound to receive his testimony."

Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 66)

Joseph Smith:

"John was not a restorer but a forerunner"

Original;
"Jhon was not a restorer but a forerunner."

Date: 17 January 1843 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal, (Words of Joseph Smith, 155)

Joseph Smith:

Original:

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 159)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 156-58)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 236)

Joseph Smith:

"All the power, authority, and anointing descended upon the head of John the Baptist. . . . This was virtually acknowledged by all Judea and Jerusalem coming out to be baptized of him."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 327-28)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 17 January 1843 (Tuesday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 155)

Joseph Smith:

"It was the baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins for the receiving of the Holy Ghost, and it was the gospel baptism."

Original:
"It was the Baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins for the receiving of the Holy Ghost & it was the gospel Baptism."

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: William Clayton Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 159)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 156-58)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 22 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 157-58)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 328)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 354)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 342-43)

Joseph Smith:

"'I baptize you with water, but when Jesus comes, having the keys, he shall baptize you with the baptisms of fire and Holy Ghost.'"

Original:
"I baptize you with water. but when Jesus comes having the keys--he shall baptize you with the baptism of fire & Holy Ghost."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 347-48)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Diary (Words of Joseph Smith, 336)

Joseph Smith:

"The Spirit of Elias is a forerunner, same as John the Baptist."

Original:
"The Spirit of Elias is a forerunner same as John the Baptist."

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 333)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 10 March 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 328)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 20 March 1842 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Wilford Woodruff Journal (Words of Joseph Smith, 107-9)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 1 September 1842 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons (1 September 1842): 905

Joseph Smith:

Date: 9 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 230)

Joseph Smith:

Date: 15 October 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 256)

Joseph Smith:

"[It is] one thing to see the kingdom and another to be in it. [One] must have a change of heart to see the kingdom of God and subscribe [to] the articles of adoption to enter therein."

Original:
"one thing to see the kingdom. & another to be in it. Must have a change of heart to see the kingdom of God. & subscribe the articles of adoption to enter therein."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Thomas Bullock Report (Words of Joseph Smith, 354)

Joseph Smith:

"The baptism of water with the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost attending it are necessary. [We] must be born of water and spirit in order to get into the kingdom of God."

Original:
"The Bap of Water witht. the B of Fire & the H B. attg. it are necy he must be born of W. & Sp in order to get into the K of God."

Date: 7 April 1844 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 342)

Joseph Smith:

"Baptism of water, fire, and Holy Ghost are inseparably connected."

Original:
"Baptism of water fire & Holy Ghost. are inseperably connected."

Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 235)

Joseph Smith:

Matthew 3:13-15

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him" (Matthew 3:13-15).

Date: 21 March 1841 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 66)

Joseph Smith:

"After John had been testifying of Jesus for some time, Jesus came unto him for baptism. John felt that the honor of baptizing his master was too great a thing—greater than he could claim—and said, 'I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?' Jesus replied: 'Thus it behooveth us to fulfill all righteousness,' thus signifying to John the claim of the Aaronic Priesthood, which holds the keys of entrance into the kingdom. . . . Jesus could not enter except by the administration of John."

Original:
"after Jhon had been testifying of Jesus for some time Jesus came unto him for baptism Jhon felt that the honor of baptizing his master was too great a thing grater than he could claim and said I have need to be baptized thee and comest thou to me Jesus repled thus it behooveth us to fulfill all righteousness thus signifying to Jhon the claim of the Aronic priesthood which holds the Keys of entrance into the Kingdom. Then the three signs which were given were conclusive The dove which sat upon his shoulder was a sure testimony that he was of God Brethren be not deceived an nor doubtful of this fact a spirit of a good man or an angell from heaven who has not a body will never undertake to shake hands with you for he kows you cannot perceive his touch and never will extend his hand but any spirit or body that is attended by a dove you may know to be a pure spirit Thus you may in some meausre detect ~~them~~ the spirits who may come unto you Jhon was great in that he baptized Jesus an for this cause Jesus saith 'Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than Jhon the baptist But again he says the from the coming days of Jhon the Batist till the Kingdom of Haven suffereth violence and the violent taketh it by force

"Jesus as I said could not enter except by the administration of Jhon."

Date: 1 September 1842 (Thursday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Times and Seasons, 1 September, 1842, 905

Joseph Smith:

"Jesus Christ himself . . . had no need of repentance, having done no sin. According to his solemn declaration to John: 'Now let me be baptized' (for no man can enter the kingdom without obeying this ordinance), for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.' Surely, then, if it became John and Jesus Christ, the Savior, to fulfil all righteousness to be baptized, so surely, then, it will become every other person that seeks the kingdom of heaven to go and do likewise. For he is the door, and if any person climbs up any other way, the same is a thief and a robber [John 10:1]."

Original:
"Jesus Christ himself, who had no need of repentance, having did no sin; according to his solemn declaration to John:-now let me be baptised [baptized]: for no man can enter the kingdom without obeying this ordinance: FOR THUS IT BECOMETH US TO FULFIL [FULFILL] ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS. Surely, then, if it became John and Jesus Christ, the Saviour [Savior], to fulfil [fulfill] all righteousness to be baptised [baptized]-so surely, then, it will become every other person that seeks the kingdom of heaven to go and do likewise; for he is the door, and if any person climbs up any other way, the same is a thief and a robber!"

Date: 29 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Franklin D. Richards, "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 162-63)

Joseph Smith:

"Christ fulfilled all righteousness in becoming obedient to the law which [he] himself had given to Moses on the mount and thereby magnified it and made it honorable instead of destroying it."

Original:
"Christ fulfiled all righteousness in becoming obedient to the the Law which himself had given to Moses on the mount and thereby magnified it and made it honorable instead of destroying it."

Date: 23 July 1843 (Sunday)

Location:

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 235)

Joseph Smith:

"'John, I must be baptized by you. Why? To answer my decrees.' John refuses. Jesus had no legal administrator before John. [There is] no salvation between the two lids of the Bible without a legal administrator."

Original:
"John I must be baptized by you. why to answer my decrees John refuses--Jesus had no legal administrator before John. No salvation between the two lids of the bible without a legal administrator"

Date: 27 August 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: James Burgess Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 246)

Joseph Smith:

"Men will set up stakes and say, 'Thus far will we go, and no farther.' . . . Did the Savior? No, [we] view him fulfilling all righteousness again on the banks of Jordan, . . . setting up no stake but coming right up to the mark in all things."

Original:
"Men will set up stakes and say thus far will we go and no farther, did Abraham when called upon to offer his son, did the Saviour, no, view him fulfilling all righteousness again on the banks of jordon, also on the Mount transfigured before Peter and John there receiving the fullness of priesthood or the law of God, setting up no stake but coming right up to the mark in all things"

Matthew 3:16

"And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:" (Matthew 3:16).

Date: 21 March 1841 (Monday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Howard and Martha Coray Notebook (Words of Joseph Smith, 66)

Joseph Smith:

"The dove which sat upon his shoulder was a sure testimony that he was of God."

Original:
same as above.

Date: 29 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Franklin D. Richards "Scriptural Items" (Words of Joseph Smith, 163)

Joseph Smith:

"The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a dove, but the sign of a dove was given to John to signify the truth of the deed, as the dove was an emblem or token of truth."

Original:
"The Holy Ghost cannot be transformed into a Dove but the sign of a Dove was given to John to signify the Truth of the Deed as the Dove was an emblem or Token of Truth."

Date: 29 January 1843 (Sunday)

Location: Nauvoo, Hancock County, Illinois, USA

Source: Joseph Smith Diary, by Willard Richards (Words of Joseph Smith, 160)

Joseph Smith:

"[The sign of the dove was] instituted before the creation. [The] Devil could not come in [the] sign of a dove. [The] Holy Ghost is a personage in the form of a personage. [He] does not confine [himself] to [the] form of a dove, but in [the] sign of a dove."

Original:
"son of God into the waters of baptism & beholding the Holy Ghost—in in the sign the form of a dove—with the sign of the dove. instituted before the creation Devil could not come in sign of a dove.—Holy Ghost is a personage in the form of a personage—does not confine itself to form of a dove—but in sign of a dove."